The Myth of the American Dream
School gives the opportunity for students to follow their dreams. The American Dream. But what happens when you have other obligations, hindering your ability to do your best in school? The American Dream is historical, but doesn’t represent big families, whose first job is putting food on the table, a roof over their heads, and clothes on their backs. Who plans on raising the next generation? The myth of the American Dream.
That’s right. I said it. The “American Dream” is not a reality when you’re raising a huge family. My dad was a teacher in Nigeria who lived through war. Sadly, he lost one of his late brothers to the senseless Biafran War in Nigeria. Then he fell in love with my mom. They decided to start a big family, in hopes of introducing me and my family to a safer life in America. What does this all mean? What I am saying is that having multiple children can decline productivity in school. In an article from Today’s Student Coalition, Alison Griffen states, “One in five college students is a parent.” (Alison Griffin, 2024) This quote highlights that for many Americans today, obtaining an education isn’t as easy as it seems. They’re balancing two worlds, making it less likely to retain information at school. Managing coursework, while also caring for a child, takes a toll on these types of students. To sum it up, being a parent to a child while also balancing coursework isn’t meant for the weak. It takes hard work and dedication.
How can we work through these challenges? I mean, my dad isn’t the first to live on this earth. There are many people who have gotten their education while taking care of their children. What has helped them was a supportive community. Having a strong support system can make a huge difference in your life. In an article from the European Association for Higher Education Advancement (EAHEA), it states that “one of the most important things that can help students overcome these challenges is having a strong support system.” This quote highlights the fact that students can benefit from having a strong support system. For example, when I was living in a rehabilitation home, I learned about different support groups in the city. The “Young Woman’s Freedom Center” in San Francisco, California, supports incarcerated, trans, and/or pregnant women, who are able to receive services. What does this all mean? A community makes a huge difference in the development of a student with significant responsibilities at home. If it weren’t for their resources, I wouldn’t be the student I am today. Many citizens are working so hard on their own because they don’t have a strong support system to help them out. A strong sense of community makes a huge difference in productivity in school.
What we do know is that the lack of money makes it hard to support any family. In an article by Tanjula Petty, it states that “Low-income families struggle to understand the importance of graduating from college.” This quote supports the idea that income changes the entire experience/character of a student. If a student has to constantly worry about where they will find their next meal, they are likely to not retain enough information in the classroom. They will struggle with the material, taking longer to get things done, and simply not trying their best. To sum it up, students are more likely to become successful when they have a stable income. When income is low, they’re likely to repeat generational poverty, a phenomenon that becomes difficult to break.
The only way we can fight these oppressive systems in school is to support the very businesses they’re affecting. We need to support businesses from people of color in order to improve the lives of students. Ever heard someone screech “support a BLACK business?” In 2022, there were over 194,000 Black owned businesses in the U.S., employing 1.6 million people. The problem isn’t the scarcity of black owned businesses. The issue is that race still affects black owned businesses. Black owned businesses face systematic barriers, such as access to funding, loan approval rates, and representation in business ownership. For example, my father owned a liquor store business when he first moved to San Francisco, California, in the early 90s, late 80s. Thirty years later, he sold his business due to the lack of consumers. My dad closed his doors, because other major businesses were taking all his profit. If my dad had more support, his doors would still be open. To sum it up, the lives of students will change when one supports their people. I remember when my dad used to tell me stories about how he was robbed. The criminal hit him on top of his head, knocking him unconscious, in front of a bus stop. Was he targeted because of his race? Why did the criminal attack him? The world will never know. My dad believed that America would solve all his problems. Due to his difficult beginnings, he thought that moving to the United States would bring him clarity, but little did he know that this is the reality of millions of immigrants.
Ultimately, the American Dream is meant to give hope to millions of people. Time and time again, we get reminded that these ideas were made for us to work endlessly, till the day we die. In order to overcome obstacles in school, one must have a strong community and a sense of compassion towards people of color. The whole world needs to support people of color, because we weren't born on an even playing field. The minute we begin to follow these guidelines, the more change there is to come. Unfortunately, my dad’s story isn’t the first time an immigrant has been overworked. Some people will remain poor for the rest of their lives, because of an oppressive systems, not because they don’t work hard enough. I hope that sharing his story can inspire many people to value their education. No matter what obstacles you’re going through, just know that there is a solution.
Work Cited
Bland, R. (2024, October 18). 1 in 5 college students have kids. Here’s how to help them balance books and babies. Today’s Students Coalition. https://todaysstudents.org/1-in-5-college-students-have-kids-heres-how-to-help-them-balance-books-and-babies/
Eahea. (2025, June 18). The importance of a strong support system in university life. European Association for Higher Education Advancement. https://www.eahea.org/blog/exclusive/the-importance-of-a-strong-support-system-in-university-life-80.html
Summer 2025 “Motivating first-generation students to academic success and college completion.” (n.d.). Google Docs. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1GhjGnRhIxG6WFHsnFtQahCByif3DsoLXZU8B8TO7lzk/edit?tab=t.0
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